Cerebral Palsy (CP)

What is Cerebral Palsy?

→ Cerebral palsy is a group of permanent disorders that affect a person’s movement, muscle tone, and posture. It is caused by damage to the developing brain, usually before, during, or shortly after birth. This condition is non-progressive, meaning it does not worsen over time, but it can lead to difficulties in movement, coordination, and sometimes speech, vision, and learning abilities.

Causes

→ Lack of oxygen to the baby’s brain (birth asphyxia)

→ Premature birth

→ Low birth weight

→ Brain infections (like meningitis)

→ Injury to the baby’s brain during pregnancy or birth

→ Genetic abnormalities

→ Severe jaundice in newborn

→ Maternal infections during pregnancy (rubella, toxoplasmosis)

Symptoms

→ Delayed milestones (sitting, walking)

→ Poor muscle coordination (ataxia)

→ Stiff or floppy muscles

→ Abnormal posture

→ Difficulty in walking

→ Involuntary movements

→ Speech and swallowing problems

→ Seizures in some cases

Diagnosis

→ Clinical examination by doctor

→ Developmental history of the child

→ Brain imaging (MRI / CT scan)

→ EEG (if seizures present)

→ Hearing and vision tests

→ Assessment of motor skills and reflexes

Treatment Management

→ No permanent cure, but symptoms can be managed

→ Physiotherapy (to improve movement)

→ Occupational therapy (daily activity skills)

→ Speech therapy

→ Medications for muscle stiffness and seizures

→ Use of assistive devices (wheelchair, braces)

→ Surgery (in severe cases)

→ Special education and supportive care